May 16, 2019
by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School
It is hard to put into words how I feel about coming to school each day. I am incredibly fortunate to work with amazing people who inspire me by their professionalism and by their character. They are kind and caring people who love their area of expertise, their craft, and most certainly, the children they teach. MPA English teachers indeed love literature, but they also love engaging students in the exploration of the most fundamental questions about humanity and meaning. Our math teachers undoubtedly enjoy the intricacies of the relationships of numbers, but they also love awakening the curiosity and problem-solving abilities of their students. The very best teachers do not teach math, or science, or art. They teach students.
Whether by retirement or life changes, we will say goodbye to several of these remarkable MPA educators in a few short weeks. Most of us have left jobs behind because we were dissatisfied with working conditions, or because we were bored or underappreciated. Rather than leave MPA behind, these educators move toward new chapters in their lives. While it is difficult to bid farewell to them, I do so with gratitude for the mark they have had on this community and with joy for what lies ahead of them.
Our volunteers are hard at work putting the finishing touches on the 2019 Spring Auction—Once Upon a Time! It’s not too late to get your tickets to this fun, entertaining, and important event in support of MPA. We’re so thankful for all of the hours that so many of our MPA community members have put in to make this year’s event our best yet.
One of the most exciting parts of our Spring Auction fundraiser and community-building event is the exciting lineup of live auction items that have been generously donated by our community! Here is a sneak preview of just a few of the amazing items we’ll have up for bid next Saturday, May 11.
We are excited to announce a 2019 MPA Spring Auction live auction item: seven nights in Paris! Stay in the heart of the St Germain neighborhood in an elegant, light and airy three bedroom pied-de-terre encompassing the entire third floor of a lovely 19th century building.
We are celebrating three long-time faculty and staff members as they retire at the end of this school year. Please join us in showing your appreciation for Karen Rossbach, Dave McGaha, and Laurie Foss, by attending the annual Retirement Celebration on Thursday, May 30 from 4-7 PM at Keller Golf Course. An invitation will follow. Mounds Park Academy extends its sincere gratitude for all they have done for our students and community.
Today, April 9, 2019, we are challenging you, our alumni and parents of alumni, to show your support for MPA by raising $75,000 and making a difference in both of these critical ways:
Become a sponsor of the 2019 Spring Auction! There are many different sponsorship levels, including Community Sponsor, Host Sponsor, and Family And Friends Sponsor. Community Sponsors receive two complimentary tickets to the gala, two complimentary tickets to the Private Sponsor Pre-party, the company name and/or family name on auction program, on-site recognition, website recognition, and help cover the cost of two teacher tickets.
Help us invite your Upper School student’s Grandparent or Special Friend for a day at MPA on Wednesday, April 24! Grandparents and Special Friends Day has grown to include an event designed especially for Upper School. Visitors will receive a unique glimpse inside our older students’ life at MPA.
On Thursday, February 14, the MPA community gathered in the Kreischer Gym for one large, nostalgic celebration. One of the four Together, We Dream priorities allows us to create a shared space—a new commons and cafeteria—where Mounds Park Academy students and teachers alike will enjoy meals from a new state-of-the-art kitchen in the space where the Kreischer Gym currently resides.
One of the four Together, We Dream priorities allows us to create a shared space—a new commons and cafeteria—where Mounds Park Academy students and teachers alike will enjoy meals from a new state-of-the-art kitchen. In fact, we’ve already secured the funds necessary to break ground on this priority.